In a move to establish itself as a frontrunner in technology and innovation, the Maharashtra government has announced the creation of a 16-member committee tasked with drafting the state’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2025. The initiative, unveiled by Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar, marks a pioneering step as Maharashtra aims to become the first state in India to develop a dedicated AI policy.
The committee, led by the Director of the Directorate of Information Technology, Mumbai, has been assigned the responsibility of crafting a comprehensive framework to guide the use and development of AI in the state. Shelar emphasized that the policy would integrate Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial dynamism with the national objectives outlined in the India AI Mission Policy.
The India AI Mission, launched earlier in March, focuses on expanding the country’s AI capabilities. Its key initiatives include the development of the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, support for application development, the establishment of the IndiaAI Innovation Centre, skill enhancement programs, and funding opportunities for AI startups. Maharashtra’s policy is set to build on these pillars, aiming to accelerate industrial development and boost the state’s economic growth.
Alongside its focus on AI, the Maharashtra government has also prioritized cybersecurity by announcing the formation of the Cyber Security Policy Task Force 2025. Shelar highlighted the increasing reliance on technology in daily life and the need for robust measures to address growing cyber threats. Maharashtra, which offers more than 800 online government services, recognizes the importance of protecting its digital ecosystem and safeguarding the interests of its citizens. The forthcoming Cyber Security Policy 2025 is expected to establish a strong framework for cybersecurity, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, educational institutions, startups, industries, and government organizations. The policy will aim to secure IT infrastructure for both government and semi-government entities while ensuring the safe delivery of digital services to the public.
These twin initiatives reflect the Maharashtra government’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and digital security. By embracing AI innovation and bolstering its cybersecurity framework, the state is setting a benchmark for others to follow, demonstrating the importance of aligning technological advancement with robust digital safety measures.